Policies

Rules

Rules of Test Participation

By registering for the MTEL, you are agreeing to abide by the Rules of Test Participation and all rules, requirements, and policies specified or referenced on the current program website and communicated to you, orally or in writing, at each test session for which you have registered.

A nondisclosure agreement will be presented to you on the computer after you sign in at the test center. You will be asked to indicate your agreement to the conditions set forth on the current program website, including the Rules of Test Participation and the rules communicated to you orally or in writing at the test session. You will have five minutes to read and accept the terms of this nondisclosure agreement. If you do not respond within five minutes, or if you indicate that you do not accept the terms of the agreement, your test session will terminate, you will not be permitted to test, and you will receive no refund or credit of any kind.

COMPLIANCE AND PENALTIES FOR NONCOMPLIANCE: I understand that if I fail to comply with the Rules or if I take any prohibited actions, the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, a business of NCS Pearson, Inc. (Evaluation Systems), or the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education may take certain actions or impose a penalty or combination of penalties, depending on the type and severity of the noncompliance, including, but not limited to: dismissal from the test center; test results voided; no refund or credit given; future testing not allowed; test irregularity noted in the license file; future testing required under controlled conditions and/or undertaking other special measures, at the candidate's expense; findings reported to a hiring principal or superintendent; limited suspension or denial of access to future educator licensure examinations in Massachusetts; criminal prosecution; and/or revocation of a candidate's educator license already granted. Additional penalties listed under individual sections below may also be incurred and legal proceedings and actions may be pursued as well as any other remedies that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education may deem appropriate, including denying, revoking, or suspending an educator license.

PURPOSE OF TESTING: I understand that the tests are administered for the purpose of licensure only and are to be taken only by individuals either enrolled in a state educator preparation program or seeking educator licensure. I certify that I am taking the test(s) for which I have registered for the purpose of educator licensure and for no other purpose.

TEST SECURITY:

ADMINISTRATION: I authorize the test administrators to serve as my agents in maintaining a secure test administration. I agree to follow all reasonable instructions given to me either orally or in writing at or during the test session, including, but not limited to, instructions to relocate me during the test session. I agree not to communicate with other candidates or any unauthorized persons in any way during the test session nor to engage in any other form of cheating or misconduct. I agree not to engage in behavior that would disrupt or unfairly affect the performance of myself or other candidates. I agree to cooperate with testing personnel.

PROPERTY: I understand that all test materials and any portion thereof or information relating thereto (referred to below as the "Test Materials") are the sole property of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. I understand that my responses, without the identification of my name, may be used for research, development and implementation of testing programs, scorer training or study materials, or other purposes associated with the program. I understand and acknowledge that the Test Materials were developed at significant cost and are required to be kept confidential and secure from disclosure in order to fairly and effectively perform the test functions for which they were designed. I have not received any Test Materials prior to taking the test and no Test Materials will be available for me to review after the test. I am not permitted (i) to take (nor will I take) Test Materials or handwritten or printed notes reflecting or recording anything about the Test Materials from the testing room or (ii) to disassemble, copy, or reproduce the Test Materials in whole or in part, by hand or with the use of any electronic, or other type of, device of any nature.

MATERIALS: I understand that I will not be permitted to bring or to use during the test: handwritten or printed notes (referred to below as "Notes"), cellular phones, electronic communication devices, visual or audio recording or listening devices or any device with an on/off option, extra paper, calculators, calculator watches, calculator manuals, or any other unauthorized aid (collectively referred to below as "Unauthorized Aids"). Throughout the test session, I will have nothing on my desk or at my workstation but authorized materials provided by the test administrator. I may use materials provided by the test administrator for any intermediate work. However, only responses that I record on computer (including scans of hand-drawn responses) will be scored.

NONDISCLOSURE OF TEST MATERIALS: Because of the great cost expended to develop the Test Materials, because of the obvious necessity that they be kept confidential and secure from disclosure in order to fairly and effectively perform the test functions for which they were designed, and because any disclosure of part or all of the contents of the Test Materials to anyone might render them unusable for future test administrations, I promise and agree that I will not disclose the Test Materials or any part of them (including the form, subject matter, substance, and wording of any test question or any answer thereto) to anyone for a period of ten (10) years from the date of the test session to which such Test Materials pertain. I understand and agree that if I should violate this agreement of nondisclosure I may be liable in damages for the costs (including redevelopment costs) incurred as a result of any breach of this agreement and I may also be subject to other legal and equitable remedies (including injunctive relief and/or criminal charges) for any such breach.

RELINQUISHMENT OF UNAUTHORIZED AIDS, ETC.; WAIVER: I understand and agree that if, despite my foregoing promises and agreements, test administrators have a reasonable suspicion that I have or may have in my possession any Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids, I will immediately turn over any such Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids in my possession to the test administrators at any time upon their request. If I should fail or refuse to do so, or if the test administrators believe in good faith that I have not turned over all such Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids in my possession, the test administrators may search my person and my personal possessions for such Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids and may remove them. Any such Test Materials, Notes, and/or Unauthorized Aids that I may have may be retained for as long as may be required for the purpose of pursuing the remedies specified herein. Test administrators, Evaluation Systems, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education are not responsible for Unauthorized Aids or other prohibited materials confiscated by them or otherwise turned over by me. In the event of a possible breach of test security, I agree to cooperate with the testing personnel and I hereby consent to any such reasonable search and to any incidental contact with my person or my possessions that may occur as a result of such a search before my dismissal from the test center. Moreover, I hereby waive any claim that I might otherwise have based upon any such reasonable search or contact.

TEST IRREGULARITIES: Test irregularities occur when a candidate fails to abide by the terms, conditions, and policies set forth on the current program website, including these Rules, and those communicated at the test session. Test irregularities may include any form of cheating, misconduct, or breach of test security, or possession or use of unauthorized aids. Test irregularities can occur prior to, during, and after the test session. Evaluation Systems will notify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of reported test irregularities and will provide the Department with related supporting documentation. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will review the reported test irregularities and supporting documentation and may authorize Evaluation Systems to hold test results for the candidate(s) in question while the test irregularities are investigated.

TEST RESULTS REPORTING AND CANCELLATION: I have read and understand the following: My subarea information, my pass/fail status, and, if I do not pass, my total test score(s) will be reported to me and to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. My test results and MEPID will be reported to the Massachusetts educator preparation institution(s) identified, if any. With my consent, the last four digits of my social security number will also be reported to my Massachusetts educator preparation institution (see "Educational Background Questions"). My pass/fail status will also be reported to the additional institution(s) I indicate during registration to receive this information. Any or all information related to my test results may also be released to any other institution, entity, or person authorized by law to receive this information. Except as otherwise specified and in accordance with applicable law, any information I have provided as part of my registration may be used to report my test results and to contact me regarding test- or program-related issues. My score report will be produced even if I leave the testing room before I finish the test. Once I am admitted to the test center, I may not cancel my test results.

VOIDED TEST RESULTS: I understand that if I fail to comply with the Rules, or if doubts are raised about the validity or legitimacy of my registration or my test results, Evaluation Systems will notify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and other parties as deemed appropriate by the Department. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Evaluation Systems reserve the right to void my test results if, in their sole opinion, I fail to comply with the Rules or if there is adequate reason to question the validity or legitimacy of the test results due to circumstances within or beyond my control.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS REGARDING TEST ADMINISTRATION: I understand and agree that liability for test administration activities, including, but not limited to, the adequacy or accuracy of Test Materials and equipment, the adequacy or accuracy of the registration and administration processes or conditions, the adequacy of test center facilities, the adequacy or accuracy of information provided to me in connection with the MTEL program, the adequacy or accuracy of scoring, and the adequacy or accuracy of score reports, will be limited to score correction or test retake, or a rescheduled test appointment at no additional fee. I understand that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Evaluation Systems are not responsible for disclosure of candidate information by any institution, entity, or person to whom this information has been lawfully released. I waive any and all rights to all other claims, specifically including, but not limited to, claims for negligence arising out of any acts or omissions of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Evaluation Systems (including the employees, agents, contractors, or professional advisors of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Evaluation Systems).

PROGRAM CHANGES: I understand that the testing program is subject to change at the sole discretion of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

OBJECTION TO RULES: If, for any reason, I object to the procedures presented in these Rules, I must advise Evaluation Systems, in writing, of the basis of my objection at least eight (8) weeks before the test date for which I wish to register for my objection to be taken under consideration. Under no circumstances may I register if I have such an objection. If I nevertheless object, my registration may be canceled, I may not be permitted to take the test(s), or my test results may be voided, unless I withdraw my objection in writing.

RULE VALIDITY: I understand that should any of these Rules or any other requirement or provision contained on the current program website be declared or determined by any court to be illegal or invalid, the remaining Rules, requirements, and provisions will not be affected and the illegal or invalid Rule, requirement, or provision shall not be deemed a part of the current program website. I agree that any legal action arising in connection with my registration for or participation in a test session shall be brought in the state and federal courts governing St. Paul, Minnesota, and I consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Test Center Rules

When you register for the MTEL, you agree to comply with all the rules set forth on the current program website, including the "Rules of Test Participation" and as described in the rules communicated to you at the test center . Violation of test center rules, including the possession or use of prohibited materials during a test session, may result in the voiding of your test results.

The following are not allowed at the test center:

Smoking and the use of all tobacco products

Visitors, including relatives, children, and friends

Weapons of any kind

Accessing Prohibited Materials: We encourage you NOT to bring any prohibited materials, listed below, with you to the test center. If you do bring any of these materials, you will be required to leave them outside the testing area, in a secure area, or in your vehicle. You will not be allowed to access these items during the test.

Leaving the Test Center: You are NOT allowed to leave the test center building during the test session.

Headphones and/or earplugs are available at test centers upon request.

Prohibited Materials

You will be asked to empty your pockets and ensure nothing is in them. View a video about security measures in a Pearson VUE test center .

Cell phones (possession or use of)

Electronic communication devices, visual or audio recording or listening devices, or any device with an on/off option (possession or use of), including, but not limited to, MP3 players, PDAs, tablets, computers, CD players, removable storage devices, calculator watches, clocks or watches with alarms, spellcheckers, etc. Note that watches of any kind are prohibited at test centers.

Eyeglasses with communication and recording devices; note that during the check-in process you may be asked to remove any pair of eyeglasses for a visual inspection, but the test center proctor will not touch or otherwise handle your glasses

Evaluation Systems reviews each request as it is received and determines on a case-by-case basis whether to grant requested alternative testing arrangements.

Some alternative testing arrangements (e.g., Braille tests) have specialized production requirements associated with them, and more time for production may be required. Although every effort is made to process all requests in a timely manner, the earlier you submit your request, the more time will be available for specialized production, if needed.

In some cases, the supporting documentation submitted with a request for alternative testing arrangements may not be sufficient to make a determination or may not support the requested alternative testing arrangement. In such cases, you will need to submit additional documentation. In some cases, Evaluation Systems may contact you directly to discuss suitable testing arrangements.

Changing a Registration

If after registering for or scheduling your test you wish to modify your registration, you may request a modification according to the processes outlined below.

If you need to correct or update personal information (e.g., your mailing address), you may do so through your account. To update your name, date of birth, social security number, or MEPID, you must contact the MTEL program.

Changing your test date, test center, or testing time. If you have already scheduled your test appointment and wish to change the date, time, or location of your test appointment, you may reschedule your test appointment through your account. The deadline for rescheduling your test appointment online is 24 hours before your scheduled testing time. There is no fee for rescheduling a test appointment.

Adding a test. You may submit a new registration for additional tests at any time. You will need to schedule a separate test appointment for each registration submitted.

Changing your test selection. If you wish to change the test(s) for which you registered (e.g., if you registered for the Communication and Literacy Skills reading subtest but wish to change your test to the writing subtest), you must withdraw your registration for the original test(s) and submit a new registration for the new test(s). Please note that your refund for the withdrawn registration will be issued by Evaluation Systems (as a credit to your credit card account) within four weeks of your request.

Candidates who cancel a test appointment lose their original seat; test appointment scheduling for any subsequent registrations is subject to available space at the time of the scheduling. There can be no guarantee that test appointments for new registrations can be rescheduled for the same test date.

If you have been approved for alternative testing arrangements and need to change the date, time, or location of your test appointment, you must call Pearson VUE at (800) 466-0450 to reschedule your test appointment by telephone at least one business day (24 hours) before your scheduled testing time. Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Payment Policy

Duration of Payment Validity

After payment, your registration will be valid for one year. If you do not take the test or withdraw your registration within that period, your registration will expire and you will receive no refund or credit of any kind.

Payment Processing

If you have any outstanding balance owed by you to Evaluation Systems after a test session for which you were registered, all of your test results for that test date may be permanently voided and therefore not reported to you, to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or to any institutions.

The following policies apply to you when you have an outstanding balance with Evaluation Systems:

You will be assessed an additional fee to cover the processing required to clear your account.

You will not be allowed to register for future test dates until your balance, which includes the additional fee, is paid in full.

Any credits or refunds for which you may be eligible will be applied first to your outstanding debt, with any excess to be returned to you.

If a credit card charge for an Evaluation Systems service for you is disputed:

You may not be allowed to make any future payments by credit card.

You must make your payment to clear your account by cashier's check or money order only.

If you attempt to pay for any further services by cashier's check or money order before clearing your account, any payments received will be applied first to your outstanding debt, with any excess applied to the requested services.

Additionally, if a personal check submitted by you is returned by the bank:

You will not be allowed to make any future payments by personal check.

You must make your payment to clear your account by cashier's check or money order only, unless you are making a subsequent credit card payment for additional services, in which case your credit card will be billed for both the outstanding balance and the additional requested services.

If you attempt to pay for any further services by credit card before clearing your account, your credit card will be billed for the amount of all services you have requested, as well as the outstanding balance owed. You agree to pay for all such services and outstanding balances in the event your credit card company does not.

If you attempt to pay for any further services by cashier's check or money order before clearing your account, any payments received will be applied first to your outstanding debt, with any excess applied to the requested services.

Privacy Policy

Because of laws protecting confidentiality and privacy, only you can register yourself for a test or make inquiries regarding your registration or test results.

Evaluation Systems takes reasonable precautions to protect the integrity of your personal information provided in connection with the registration process, as well as any information generated internally that is specifically pertinent to you, and to keep this information secure. A complete privacy policy is accessible in the footer of this website.

Your private information will not be made available to anyone but you; Evaluation Systems and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (including the employees, agents, contractors, or professional advisors of Evaluation Systems and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education); the Massachusetts educator preparation institution and any selected institution(s) you indicate in your registration; and any institution, entity, or person required or authorized by law to receive this information.

Retake Policy

Candidates must wait 45 days before retaking the same test/subtest. For tests that include subtests (i.e., Communication and Literacy Skills, General Curriculum, and the Vocational Technical Literacy Skills Test), you may take one or both subtests at a given test session. Once you meet the passing score on a subtest, you do not have to take that subtest again. Candidates should not retake a test prior to receiving their test results from that test.

Withdrawal/Refund Policy

If you register to take the same test on multiple test dates and pass the test on the first test date, you will not be issued a refund for your additional registrations on the basis of your passing performance.

If you are absent from the test, you will not receive a refund or credit of any kind. (See the absentee policy .)

If you are due a refund, it will be issued according to the process outlined below.

If after registering for a test you would like to withdraw the registration you may do so according to the following procedure:

If your original registration was for both Communication and Literacy Skills, General Curriculum, or Vocational Technical Literacy Skills Test subtests, withdrawal of the registration will apply to both subtests. You may not withdraw from or receive a refund for only one subtest if your original registration was for both subtests.

If you withdraw your registration before you have scheduled your test appointment, or if you cancel your test appointment at least 24 hours before your scheduled testing time and then withdraw your registration, you will receive the following refund, depending on when you registered for your test:

If you registered on or before July 18, 2016, you will receive a full refund of your test fee and the computer-based testing fee. The registration processing fee will not be refunded.

If you registered July 19, 2016, or after, you did not incur a separate computer-based testing or registration processing fee, and you will receive a full refund of your test fee.

Your refund will be issued by Evaluation Systems within four weeks of receipt of your request.

Your registration is valid for one year from the date of issue. If you do not schedule a test appointment and take your test within one year, or withdraw your registration within one year, your registration will expire and you will receive no refund or credit of any kind.

Testing Policies

Absentee Policy

If you are absent, you will not receive a refund or credit of any kind. You will need to register and pay again to test on a future date.

Emergency circumstances. If you are absent from a test session because of an emergency circumstance (illness, injury, hospitalization, or death in the immediate family), you may be eligible to receive a fee voucher that you may use to register for a future test session.

written documentation, such as a dated newspaper obituary or a dated letter signed by a professional licensed to diagnose or treat the emergency condition (e.g., physician), on that person's professional letterhead.

Documentation from a medical professional must specifically excuse you from testing on the date of the test. Documentation containing electronic signatures will not be accepted.

The request and required documentation must be received at Evaluation Systems within 30 calendar days after the missed test session.

A response to your request will be sent to you within two weeks after the missed test date, or two weeks after your request is received, whichever is later. If your request for a fee voucher is granted, the fee voucher you receive will be in the amount of the test fee you paid for the missed test appointment.

ID Policy

You must bring to the test center one piece of current, government-issued identification printed in English, in the name in which you registered, bearing your photograph and signature.

Acceptable forms of identification include the following:

Driver's license with photograph and signature

Passport with photograph and signature

State identification with photograph and signature (provided by the Registry of Motor Vehicles for individuals who do not have a driver's license)

National identification with photograph and signature

Military identification with photograph and signature

Alien Registration Card (green card, permanent resident visa)

A government-issued ID missing a visible signature or that has an embedded signature must be supplemented with an original (no photocopies), valid (unexpired) ID that has at least a matching name and recent recognizable photograph, or a matching name and signature.

If you do not have proper identification at the time of your test session, you will be denied admission to the test session. If you are refused admission to the test, for any reason, you will be considered absent and will receive no credit or refund of any kind.

Please note the following:

Your middle initial in your account on this website must match the middle name or initial on your ID.

If you have a hyphenated last name, one of the following must be true of your name as it appears in your account on this website and on your ID:

either both instances must use the complete hyphenated name

or

if one instance only uses one last name, it must be the second last name from the full hyphenated version

If the name on your identification differs from the name in which you are registered, you must bring official, original verification of the change (e.g., original marriage certificate, original court order).

As part of the identity verification process, your digital signature will be taken at the test center, and a palm scan and/or a digital photograph may also be taken. These will be used only for the purpose of identity verification. If you do not allow your digital signature, palm scan, and/or digital photograph to be taken, you will not be allowed to test and you will not receive a refund or credit of any kind.

If you have a question about your identification, contact us to submit your question to Evaluation Systems before the day of the test.

Late Arrival Policy

If you arrive late and are not admitted to a test administration, you will be considered absent and will not receive a refund or credit of any kind. You will need to register and pay again to test on a future date.

It is essential that you report for your test session no later than the testing time indicated on your CBT confirmation. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late to a test session, you may not be admitted. If you arrive late and are not admitted, you will be considered absent and will not receive a refund or credit of any kind. You will need to register and pay again to test on a future date.

Test Cancellation Policy

In the event that it becomes necessary to close a test center due to severe weather conditions or a natural disaster (e.g., flood, fire), Pearson VUE will notify candidates by telephone and/or email and will contact you to reschedule your test appointment.

If you miss a test appointment that has not been officially canceled due to a test center closing, you will be considered absent and will not receive a refund or credit of any kind. Contact Pearson VUE at (800) 466-0450 if you have any concerns or questions on the day of the test.

Score Reporting Policies

Voiding of Test Scores by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or Evaluation Systems

If you violate one of the "Rules of Test Participation" or if doubts are raised about the validity or legitimacy of your registration or your test results, Evaluation Systems will notify the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and other parties as deemed appropriate by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Evaluation Systems takes reasonable security precautions in developing and administering MTEL tests and in processing test results. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Evaluation Systems reserve the right to void your test results if in their sole opinion there is adequate reason to question your test results' validity or legitimacy, due to misconduct (including, but not limited to, a violation of the rules set forth on the current program website, including the Rules of Test Participation, and the rules communicated to you, orally or in writing, at the test session) or to circumstances within or beyond your control.

Further action may be taken, including denying, revoking, and/or suspending an educator license. Other actions, as described in Rule 1 of the Rules of Test Participation, may be taken as deemed appropriate by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and/or Evaluation Systems.